Gastroenteritis

Main symptoms can include:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Other symptoms can sometimes appear, including a mild fever, headache, dehydration (due to diarrhea and vomiting), blood or mucus in the stool, muscle pain, loss of appetite.

Anyone can get gastroenteritis, but some people are more likely to develop severe symptoms, including:

• Children under 2
• Elders
• People who are pregnant
• People with weak immune systems due to medical treatment or a health condition like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or cancer, HIV or AIDS

Gastroenteritis can spread easily in different ways: 

• Contaminated food or water
• Close contact with someone who is infected (for example shaking hands or kissing)
• Contaminated surfaces or objects such as tables, toys or doorknobs.

There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis. Rest, drinking fluids, eating certain foods and avoiding others helps to recover from an infection. It’s important to stay home until symptoms clear up. 

• If your child is sick, offer them water or a rehydration solution (commercial or homemade) 
• If your child is breastfed or bottle-fed they can nurse/drink their usual way but offer it more often in small quantities 
• If your child’s bottom is irritated, talk to a nurse, doctor or pharmacist at your Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre (CMC). They’ll advise you about the right medicated ointment 
• Use superabsorbent diapers to prevent leakage
• Disinfect toilet seats and contaminated surfaces or objects 
• Adults and children should try to eat even if they feel sick because it will help them heal from a gastro episode and regain strength.

• pasta, rice, bread, unsweetened cereals
• Lean meats, fish, eggs
• Fruits in natural juice
• Cooked vegetables 

Food and drink to avoid: 

• Sugary fruit juices, sports drinks, carbonated beverages, caffeinated drinks, high-fat foods, ice cream, dried fruits, very spicy foods.

• 360 ml (1.5 cups) unsweetened orange juice
• 600 (2.5 cups) cooled boiled water
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt.

Consult your CMC in any of the following situations:

• Diarrhea (at least 3 liquid or semi-liquid stools every 24 hours) and a fever (over 38 ºC or 100.4 ºF) for more than 2 days
• Intense abdominal pain (a very upset stomach)
• Frequent vomiting that doesn’t slow down after 4 to 6 hours
• Bloody stool (red or black stools) or bloody vomit
• General health is worsening (weakness, drowsiness, irritability, confusion)

Go to the CMC or emergency room if your child is under 2 and has any of the following symptoms: 

• Signs of moderate dehydration: Dry mouth, infrequent or dark urine, decreased activity, drowsiness, irritability
• Signs of severe dehydration: No urine for more than 6 hours in babies and 8 hours in older children, extreme thirst, dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes or sunken fontanels (soft spots on a baby’s head), no tears, grayish skin, dizziness, confusion, headaches, vertigo or fainting
• Blood in their vomit or black stools
• Vomit is bright greenish
• Your child lives with a chronic illness or has a weakened or deficient immune system AND has a temperature over 38.5ºC (101.3ºF).

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel throughout the day: 

• Before, during and after preparing food, before eating, before breastfeeding, and after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.

• The rotavirus is the primary cause of gastroenteritis in children under 2.
• The most effective protection is vaccination.
• For information on the rotavirus vaccine, consult with the Awash team at your CMC.